We want you to ensure that you have made a fully informed decision to become a teacher.
The best way to do that is to spend time gaining school observation experience when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
This is what our 2019 trainees said about their experience before starting the PGCE Primary course.
If you are intending to study a primary teacher training programme we recommend spending time in both Key Stages of a primary school. Alternatively, if you are looking to apply for a secondary teaching course we suggest you observe teaching and learning in a mixed, state secondary school.
Each school is different; talk to as many teachers as you can. Ask them about the challenges and rewards of teaching.
We know, as an Ofsted “Outstanding” provider, that the more observation experience you are able to complete before starting your teacher training course, the more prepared and confident you'll be when you enter classroom.
PGCE Primary classroom experience
On the PGCE Primary course, you will complete assessed primary school placements, which St Mary's will organise.
PGCE Secondary classroom experience
If you're studying one of our PGCE Secondary programmes, you will complete two assessed secondary school placements, which St Mary's will organise.